The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1887-07-02

plaauemIne observer.

Plaquemine Observer.
There is a certain class Of ofnewspaper
scribblers who seem 10 derive thegreat-
est pleasure when indulging 10 per
Aonalities. These writers are never
so happy as when engaged in news
paper controversy which they often
will originate at the expense Of truth
itself. Their dearest aim is to create
mischief and do the greatest possible
harm, no matter, at what cost and
however dishonorable the methods en-
ployed TO achieve their purpose, This
nefarious habit, which Is more often
found in the ordinary, irresponsible
scribbler, can also sometimes be traced
in the country editor troubled with that
unfortunate itching disease ycleped
eacetkes seyibendi.
The common scribbler, Of ordinary
mental eaIibEe, being sort of non
c0Rlpos meRtis, 10 somewhat excusable
unless bis attacks are carried too far,
when they should be brought TO sud
den stop In a manner not TO be mis-
taken or misunderstood. The man,
however, who places his name at the
head Of q journal as its editor, is a diff
eFent being from the mere vulgar acrib-
bier, He assumes certain responsible
tiles which are serious In their nature,
and which clothe him with certain
dignity which he should preserve. He
is not mere blower, nor should be be
q simple puppet ready to yield obeis-
auce to the slightest behest Of indiVid-
uals or clique. In his capacity Of
editor, be has a more important roll
to play on the worlds stage, +.
To write for a paper for the mere
pleasure of venting ones spite npon
an individual who may entertain opin-
ions different from ours, ia stupid and
cowardly,
The practice ia a vicious one and
never results in benefits to any one,
nor is the welfare Of the community
promoted by these newspaper contro-
Versies which often terminate in blood
shed.
These reflections came to us in pc
rusing the following sensible remarks
reproduced from the Arcadia Advaapt
which VIC commend to the perusal Of
our readers!
"Perhaps in no other State in the
Union has the practice of venting tht
private spleen Of editors entered intl
50 largely in both discussing men and
measures in the press as il has tht
State of Louisiana,
In the northwestern part of the
State, we see a journal whose editor
has personal spite towards statt
official, leading of in an attack against
the ability and integrity Of his enemy
whenever the opportunity offers TO
him to bring the name of said ofiesa
into public print. Many Of the read
ers Of that journal think, Of course
that these articles are prompted by th
desire of the editor 20 prevent the pub
lio being imposed upon /; but such I
not the case, The editor is onl
wTeakiHg vengeance upon some on
against whom be has grievance.
Then, again Weses paper in north
east Louisiana, attacking the persons
standing of q man, upon the sam
grounds. When the public read art
cles in newspaper, they should rehec
q second time before forming coRclr
sion and weigh carefully the calibre Q
the editor who pens the lines and
be has the reputation Of being con
acientious writer, and enjoys the cor
idence Of the people ss 20 the qualif
cations Of an impartial man, and
found to be writer Of no violent pr
iudiees, OF Hcranky" ideas, then bis a
ticles may be given due consideration
and remembered for what they ~
worth.
The press Is also 0 prey 10 the %
! tors who follow these vicious practices
, and often fall into line and help carr
! out the "Feyenge acF inaugnFased b
: the editor who has the grievance,
The practice Of personalities ip jon
nalism, Of HpeEsonal jourHslismH shoul
I Be brought to sudden stop by wa
] fare being opened against those edlto
who practice it,by the editors througl
out Che State who desire the press
be held under tho dignifed title
2 Hpnblic exponent
I The public condemn personalities
, public print, and the sentiment Whic
I Il fast crystsIizing will soon reach
\ point where the esteem ot The peep
z will be forfeited to every editor WI
uses bis columns 10 secure person
I revenge. So mote II be.R
"